Joshua 13:8

KJV

With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward, [even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;

KJV (with Strong's)

With whom the Reubenites {H7206} and the Gadites {H1425} have received {H3947} their inheritance {H5159}, which Moses {H4872} gave {H5414} them, beyond {H5676} Jordan {H3383} eastward {H4217}, even as Moses {H4872} the servant {H5650} of the LORD {H3068} gave {H5414} them;

Complete Jewish Bible

With the half-tribe of M'nasheh, the Re'uveni and the Gadi received their inheritance, which Moshe had given them, beyond the Yarden eastward, just as Moshe the servant of ADONAI had given them -

Berean Standard Bible

The other half of Manasseh, along with the Reubenites and Gadites, had received the inheritance Moses had given them beyond the Jordan to the east, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had assigned to them:

American Standard Version

With him the Reubenites and the Gadites received their inheritance, which Moses gave them, beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of Jehovah gave them:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Joshua 13:8 functions as a vital parenthetical clarification within the broader narrative of Israel's land distribution, explicitly stating that the tribes of Reuben and Gad had already secured their inheritance. This territory, situated east of the Jordan River, was allocated to them by Moses, God's faithful servant, prior to the main division of Canaan under Joshua's leadership. The verse thus underscores the seamless continuity of divine command from one leader to the next and powerfully reaffirms God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His ancient covenant promises concerning the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Joshua 13 marks a significant transition in the Book of Joshua, shifting the narrative focus from military conquest to the meticulous division of the Promised Land. Chapters [Joshua 1-12](/joshua/1-12 "Joshua 1-12 - The Conquest of Canaan") detail Israel's successful campaigns under Joshua, culminating in a summary of conquered kings. However, the land was not yet fully possessed by all tribes. God's directive to Joshua in [Joshua 13:1](/joshua/13-1 "Joshua 13:1 - God's Command to Divide the Land")—"There remains yet very much land to be possessed"—initiates this new phase of apportionment. Joshua 13:8, positioned early in this chapter, functions as a vital parenthetical reminder, acknowledging that a significant portion of the land, specifically the Transjordanian territory, had already been allocated to certain tribes by Moses. This pre-existing arrangement is affirmed before the detailed distribution for the tribes west of the Jordan commences in [Joshua 14](/joshua/14 "Joshua 14 - Caleb's Inheritance"), serving as a bridge that connects the foundational leadership of Moses with Joshua's ongoing mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The allocation of land was paramount to Israel's identity, representing the tangible fulfillment of God's covenant promises to Abraham ([Genesis 12:7](/genesis/12-7 "Genesis 12:7 - God's Promise of Land to Abram") and [Genesis 15:18-21](/genesis/15-18-21 "Genesis 15:18-21 - God's Covenant with Abraham")). For a people emerging from generations of nomadic existence, land provided stability, security, and a permanent home. The tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh had specifically requested the fertile Transjordanian territory from Moses during the wilderness wanderings, promising to assist their brethren in the conquest of Canaan ([Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of Reuben and Gad")). Moses granted their request, establishing a precedent for land distribution based on tribal identity and divine instruction. Culturally, land ownership was deeply intertwined with family and tribal identity, with meticulous detailing of boundaries ensuring clear, divinely sanctioned tenure, preventing disputes, and preserving the inheritance for future generations. The geographical marker "beyond Jordan eastward" (or "Transjordan") was a common and precise descriptor, distinguishing this region from the main land of Canaan to the west.
* **Key Themes:** Joshua 13:8 significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the Book of Joshua and the broader Pentateuchal narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Promise Fulfillment**, as the verse reiterates the concrete realization of God's ancient promise of land to His people, initiated through Moses. It powerfully highlights the **Continuity of Divine Leadership**, demonstrating that Joshua's mission is not a new undertaking but a direct continuation of God's work through Moses, thereby emphasizing Moses' enduring legacy as "the servant of the LORD." The meticulous detail of land distribution, including this pre-existing arrangement, underscores **God's Orderly Provision** for His people, ensuring each tribe received its designated inheritance according to His sovereign plan. Finally, the geographical distinction of "beyond Jordan eastward" reinforces the theme of **Tribal Identity and Distinct Inheritance**, acknowledging the unique arrangements made for these specific tribes while maintaining their integral place within the broader covenant community of Israel, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 3:18-20](/deuteronomy/3-18-20 "Deuteronomy 3:18-20 - Moses' Instructions to the Transjordanian Tribes").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis

* **Inheritance (Hebrew, _naḥălâh'_):** From H5159, this term is foundational to the Old Testament concept of land, referring to a possession, an allotment, or a heritage. It carries profound theological weight, signifying not merely a piece of property but a divinely bestowed gift, a permanent possession passed down through generations. In the context of Joshua, _naḥălâh_ emphasizes God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, providing a secure homeland for His people. It is a tangible sign of God's blessing, a foundational element of Israel's identity as a nation, and a source of security and belonging.
* **Received (Hebrew, _lâqaḥ'_):** From H3947, this primitive root means "to take" or "to receive" in a wide variety of applications. In Joshua 13:8, the use of _lâqaḥ_ (in its perfect tense, indicating a completed action) emphasizes that the Reubenites and Gadites had already acquired or taken possession of their land. It underscores the established nature of their inheritance, highlighting that this was not a future promise but a past, accomplished fact, underscoring the finality and legitimacy of Moses' prior distribution.
* **Servant of the LORD (Hebrew, _ʻeved Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H5650 and H3068, this highly significant title describes Moses' unique relationship with God. It denotes not a slave in the pejorative sense, but one who is utterly devoted to God's will, chosen and empowered by Him to execute His divine purposes. Moses, as "the servant of the LORD," acted as God's direct agent, mediator, and prophet, faithfully delivering His commands and leading His people. The repeated use of this title in Joshua 13:8 underscores the divine authority behind the land allocation and implicitly links Joshua's current task to the foundational work of his predecessor, who also later receives this title in [Joshua 24:29](/joshua/24-29 "Joshua 24:29 - Joshua, the Servant of the LORD").

#### Verse Breakdown

* **"With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance,"**: This opening clause immediately identifies the specific beneficiaries of the land allocation—the tribes of Reuben and Gad. The verb "received" (לָקְחוּ, _laqḥu_) is in the perfect tense, indicating that this was not a new acquisition but an already established and completed fact. This emphasizes the prior nature of their inheritance, setting the stage for the rest of the verse by clarifying that these tribes are distinct from those whose land will be distributed by Joshua in the subsequent chapters. It highlights the existing reality of their settled status east of the Jordan.
* **"which Moses gave them, beyond Jordan eastward,"**: This part of the verse specifies the agent of the distribution and the precise geographical location. "Moses gave them" directly attributes the allocation to Moses, reinforcing his authority and pivotal role as God's instrument in the initial phase of Israel's settlement. The phrase "beyond Jordan eastward" (מֵעֵבֶר לַיַּרְדֵּן מִזְרָחָה, _me'ever layyarden mizraḥah_) precisely defines the territory as the Transjordanian region, distinguishing it from the land west of the Jordan that Joshua is now tasked with dividing. This geographical marker is crucial for understanding the overall map of Israel's inheritance and the distinct arrangements made for these tribes.
* **"[even] as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them;"**: This concluding phrase serves as a powerful and emphatic repetition, designed to underscore and confirm the divine authority and legitimacy of the Transjordanian inheritance. The reiteration of "Moses the servant of the LORD gave them" not only reinforces the ultimate source of the allocation (God, through His servant Moses) but also elevates its status to a divinely sanctioned and irreversible act. This literary device emphasizes the continuity of God's overarching plan and the unwavering faithfulness of His chosen leaders, ensuring that the arrangements made under Moses' leadership are fully recognized, honored, and integrated into the ongoing divine purpose under Joshua.

#### Literary Devices

The primary literary device employed in Joshua 13:8 is **Repetition**, specifically the emphatic re-statement of "as Moses the servant of the LORD gave them." This repetition serves a crucial rhetorical purpose: to underscore the divine authority and unquestionable legitimacy of the Transjordanian land allocation, thereby removing any potential doubt about its validity or permanence. This also functions as a form of **Emphasis**, drawing the reader's attention to the foundational nature of Moses' role and the reliability of God's promises, which were already being tangibly fulfilled. By reiterating Moses' action and title, the verse highlights the **Continuity** of God's redemptive plan from one leader to the next, demonstrating that Joshua's current task is a direct continuation of the divine work initiated by his predecessor. The verse also implicitly uses **Geographical Delineation** to clearly distinguish the Transjordanian inheritance from the land west of the Jordan, effectively setting the stage for the detailed distribution to follow in subsequent chapters.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Joshua 13:8, while seemingly a simple geographical and historical note, carries profound theological weight. It powerfully affirms God's unwavering **faithfulness to His covenant promises**. The land, promised to Abraham generations earlier ([Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's Covenant with Abraham")), is now being meticulously distributed, even acknowledging prior arrangements. This demonstrates God's meticulous care and precision in fulfilling His word, leaving no detail overlooked and ensuring His promises are brought to fruition. Furthermore, the repeated mention of "Moses the servant of the LORD" highlights the **continuity of divine authority and leadership**. Moses, as God's chosen instrument, established these inheritances, and Joshua, as his successor, is commanded to honor them. This continuity assures Israel that God's plan is consistent and reliable, transcending individual leaders and reinforcing the singular divine will behind the entire process. The verse also subtly touches on the theme of **divine order and provision**, showing that God orchestrates every aspect of His people's lives, from their conquests to their settlements, ensuring each tribe receives its rightful place according to His sovereign and benevolent plan.

* [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Moses Allots Land to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")
* [Deuteronomy 3:18-20](/deuteronomy/3-18-20 "Moses' Instructions to the Transjordanian Tribes")
* [Joshua 12:6](/joshua/12-6 "Moses' Conquest and Allotment of Transjordan")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Joshua 13:8 offers rich ground for personal reflection and contemporary application, reminding us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering commitment to His promises. Just as He meticulously oversaw the division of the land for the tribes of Israel, acknowledging and honoring past arrangements made through Moses, so too does He orchestrate the details of our lives. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign plan, even when circumstances seem complex or when we are in a season of transition, much like Israel moving from conquest to settlement. We can find profound comfort in knowing that God remembers His past dealings, faithfully brings His purposes to fruition, and ensures that His will is accomplished through successive generations. It also prompts us to appreciate the spiritual inheritance we have received through Christ, which is far greater and more enduring than any physical land. This inheritance, secured by God's faithfulness, is a foundation upon which we are called to live, serving as a powerful reminder that our present blessings and opportunities are often built upon the faithful work and legacy of those who came before us, much like Joshua built upon Moses' foundational leadership.

#### Questions for Reflection

* **How does the continuity of God's plan from Moses to Joshua, as highlighted in this verse, encourage your trust in God's long-term purposes for your life and the world?**
* **In what ways can recognizing the "inheritance" God has already provided in your life—whether spiritual, relational, or material—strengthen your faith and gratitude for future challenges?**
* **How can we, like Joshua, intentionally honor and build upon the legacies and foundational work of faithful predecessors in our communities, churches, and spiritual journeys today?**

### FAQ
**Why is Joshua 13:8 included if the land was already given?**

Answer: Joshua 13:8 is included for several crucial reasons, serving as more than just a historical footnote. First, it functions as a **legal and historical acknowledgment** of the prior arrangements made by Moses. As Joshua transitions from military conquest to the complex task of land distribution, it is vital to clearly delineate which territories have already been allocated. This prevents confusion, avoids potential disputes, and ensures that the tribes of Reuben and Gad (and by broader implication, half-Manasseh) are not overlooked or re-assigned. Second, it profoundly **emphasizes the continuity of divine authority**. By explicitly stating that "Moses the servant of the LORD gave them" this inheritance, the verse reinforces that Joshua's current task is not a new, unrelated endeavor but a direct continuation of God's overarching plan. It seamlessly links Joshua's leadership directly to Moses' foundational work, underscoring the divine legitimacy and consistency of the entire process. Finally, it highlights **God's unwavering faithfulness** in fulfilling His promises through successive generations of leaders, demonstrating that His word is reliable and His plans are meticulous, as seen in the detailed accounts of [Numbers 32](/numbers/32 "Numbers 32 - The Request of Reuben and Gad") and [Deuteronomy 3](/deuteronomy/3 "Deuteronomy 3 - Moses' Account of the Transjordan Conquest").

**Which tribes received land "beyond Jordan eastward"?**

Answer: The tribes that received their inheritance "beyond Jordan eastward" (also known as the Transjordan region) were primarily the **Reubenites** and the **Gadites**, as explicitly stated in Joshua 13:8. Additionally, the **half-tribe of Manasseh** also received territory in this region, though they are not explicitly named in this specific verse. Their inclusion in the Transjordanian settlement is consistently mentioned elsewhere in the biblical narrative (e.g., [Numbers 32:33](/numbers/32-33 "Numbers 32:33 - Moses Allots Land to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh") and [Joshua 12:6](/joshua/12-6 "Numbers 32:33 - Moses Allots Land to Reuben, Gad, and Half-Manasseh")). These tribes chose to settle on the eastern side of the Jordan River because the land was particularly suitable for their large flocks and herds. In exchange for this early allocation, they committed to helping the other tribes conquer the land west of the Jordan, demonstrating a unity of purpose within the broader Israelite community.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Joshua 13:8, with its emphasis on a divinely appointed inheritance given by Moses, finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as Moses, "the servant of the LORD," acted as God's mediator to secure a physical inheritance of land for Israel, so Christ, the greater Moses prophesied in [Deuteronomy 18:15](/deuteronomy/18-15 "Deuteronomy 18:15 - The Prophet Like Moses"), serves as our ultimate mediator, securing for us an eternal, spiritual inheritance. The land of Canaan, though a tangible blessing and a testament to God's faithfulness, was ultimately but a shadow of the true and lasting inheritance believers receive in Christ—a spiritual kingdom, adoption into God's family, and eternal life ([Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ") and [Colossians 1:12](/colossians/1-12 "Colossians 1:12 - Our Share in the Inheritance of the Saints")). This inheritance is not earned by human effort, tribal lineage, or military conquest, but is a free gift, "obtained" for us through Christ's perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross ([1 Peter 1:3-5](/1_peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - A Living Hope and Incorruptible Inheritance")). Furthermore, just as the Transjordanian tribes received their land by Moses' authority, so all believers receive their spiritual blessings and access to this inheritance by the supreme authority of Christ, who has been given "all authority in heaven and on earth" ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")). The meticulous fulfillment of the land promise in Joshua foreshadows the even more precise and certain fulfillment of all God's promises in Jesus, in whom "all the promises of God find their Yes" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")). Our inheritance is not merely a piece of land, but a profound relationship with God and a future in His eternal kingdom, secured by the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joshua 12:6

Them did Moses the servant of the LORD and the children of Israel smite: and Moses the servant of the LORD gave it [for] a possession unto the Reubenites, and the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh.

Joshua 22:4

And now the LORD your God hath given rest unto your brethren, as he promised them: therefore now return ye, and get you unto your tents, [and] unto the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you on the other side Jordan.

Numbers 32:33

And Moses gave unto them, [even] to the children of Gad, and to the children of Reuben, and unto half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph, the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land, with the cities thereof in the coasts, [even] the cities of the country round about.

Numbers 32:42

And Nobah went and took Kenath, and the villages thereof, and called it Nobah, after his own name.

Joshua 4:12

And the children of Reuben, and the children of Gad, and half the tribe of Manasseh, passed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spake unto them:

Deuteronomy 3:12

¶ And this land, [which] we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which [is] by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead, and the cities thereof, gave I unto the Reubenites and to the Gadites.

Deuteronomy 3:17

The plain also, and Jordan, and the coast [thereof], from Chinnereth even unto the sea of the plain, [even] the salt sea, under Ashdothpisgah eastward.